During Reading

While students are reading, they need to be able to utilize strategies in order to comprehend what they have learned. For most children, reading is notsomething they have been exposed to, or something that is natural for them. It is obscure and often requires abstract thinking. Much like processes are taught in math, students should be taught the process to be followed for reading. Our students are taught a process to follow while reading. As they read, they should imagine, or visualize, what they are reading in their head, and create a picture of the image. Then, they describe what they have drawn. Next, they make a connection about the text. Does the text remind them of something in another text they have read? Does it remind them of something they have experienced in their life? Or, does it remind them of something in the world around them? They write the connection. Finally, they should ask themselves a question about the text. This is to promote higher level thinking and allow them to think beyond what the text specifically states. This process was created in order for students to have a guide for what they should do while they read. Being an active reader is essential to being a successful reader.

During Reading

"The Toy Eater"

Here is an imaginative read aloud from Shel Silverstein to ignite your students' imaginations! Read his poem, "The Toy Eater" from his book, Falling Up. Make sure to keep the picture hidden from them. Tell them to visualize in their mind all that is happening and what the Toy Eatin' Tookle looks like. After a few reads, have the children draw what they visualized. Once everyone is done and has shared, you can decide if they get to see Silverstein's toy eater.